Installation
On a scale of noob to master case modder for installation difficulty I would rate this unit at average skill level. It is not difficult by any means, but there are some parts that I wouldn’t expect a first timer to figure out. Fortunately the installation manual included is actually quite good. First thing using the manual select the correct set of mounting accessories for your socket type. Ours of course is 1155 so we put away the AMD bracket, screw clips, and the Socket 2011 stand offs.

Next up is to install the backplate through the motherboard. Simply slide the pins to get them to line up with your motherboards holes. I pleasantly found that I was able to install the plate without removing the motherboard thanks to how narrow it is.

With the backplate installed, thread the standoffs into the the back plate pins. Please note that they won’t be tight against the motherboard. This is part of the design, nothing will be loose once complete and you’ve done nothing wrong.

At this point the manual says to attach the pump to the CPU. I would suggest that you don’t, and instead attach the radiator to your mounting position. I find that attaching the radiator first with this cooler is easier. With the thicker tubing being harder to bend you won’t have to fight with the larger radiator to get it lined up to attach the fans to the case. I’ve installed ours in the standard location for 120mm radiators, the top rear fan location. I also chose to have the fans pulling air into the case as it will give you the coolest air flowing through the radiator possible.

With the radiator attached to the case through the outer fans simply attach the inner fan to the radiator pulling air in same direction.

Now you can easily attach the pump to the CPU. Before you can do that you must install the Intel mounting bracket to the pump. All you have to do is set it in place. There are magnets that will keep it from moving as you maneuver the pump into place. Now, via the standoffs and thumb screws attach the pump to the CPU.

Now it’s just a matter of attaching all the wiring to the correct locations. The fans both attach to the pump itself through a splitter and unique connector. If you desire you can also attach them to the motherboard or a fan controller.

Plug the Corsair Links mini USB connector into the pump and then to an open USB header on the motherboard. Finally plug the Sata power connector to an open Sata connector from your PSU and the pumps 3 pin to the CPU_FAN header for the motherboard to receive an RPM signal from the pump.

After you’ve installed the hardware you will need to download the Corsair Link software in order to monitor and control the H80i’s fans, pump, and lights.